When choosing windows it is important to understand their characteristics, pros and cons to decide which is best for your home. uPVC windows have become a popular window choice known for their sustainability and low maintenance features, made from uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) which is a versatile building material. To help you decide if you want to install uPVC windows, our article will explain what uPVC windows are, how they are used, styles of uPVC windows, and pros and cons.
What is uPVC?
While PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, uPVC is a type of plastic made from PVC with the chemical plasticisers removed. Hence the u in the name. The plasticisers are what makes the PVC flexible and soft. uPVC does not have chemical plasticisers but is made with tough modifiers and fillers that make it even stronger. It is an ideal material for window frames with a surface hardness equal to aluminium.
What is a uPVC Window?
A uPVC window is a window frame made from unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC), a low-maintenance building material used as a substitute for painted wood, mostly for window frames and sills. It is often used when installing double glazing in new buildings, or to replace older single glazed windows.
Benefits Of uPVC Windows
uPVC has become a popular choice for windows for a plethora of reasons. It’s hard and weather resistant properties make it ideal for windows. We examine all the benefits of uPVC windows here:
- Energy efficiency: uPVC windows are energy efficient, meaning that the material the frame is made of won’t transfer heat and cold. Heat loss is reduced during winter and heat gain is reduced in Summer, so less energy is used to heat and cool a home.
- Low maintenance: uPVC windows are extremely low maintenance because they do not need painting, sealing or varnishing and are easy to clean.
- Durable: Choosing uPVC windows means you have a more durable window material,resistant to corrosion, warping, fading and rotting. Unlike traditional materials like timber, uPVC is not affected by extreme weather conditions. Good quality uPVC windows have a lifespan of about 20 years.
- Eco friendly and sustainable: uPVC windows are both eco friendly and sustainable. The material is recyclable, and energy efficient. The production of uPVC windows requires less energy to make than other materials like timber or aluminium so the overall energy consumption is less. uPVC can be recycled and repurposed into new windows with different designs. Most of the current uPVC windows are made up of 40% recycled uPVC materials.
- Cost effective: uPVC is one of the most cost effective window materials, particularly in comparison to timber frames. It costs less to produce and so is more affordable for window specialists to purchase. The energy efficiency properties also help save money on energy bills.
- Noise reduction: uPVC is an excellent material for noise reduction. It reduces outside noise by up to 40dB. This occurs because the unplasticised polyvinyl chloride material is con-conductive which causes a reduction in noise transmission.
- Weather resistance: uPVC is resistant to UV, heat and water which means it will not fade, rust, crack if subjected to weather extremes.
- Design variety: uPVC windows come in many different styles, from fixed, sliding, tilt and turn, to bay window, casement and awning. There are uPVC windows to suit every style and taste, colour, shape and size.
How Do uPVC Windows Work?
uPVC windows are made through a process called extrusion which creates a material that is extremely hard and durable. They are then reinforced with steel inserts for strength and finished with fusion welded joints. This process results in a window that is strong, durable and heat resistant. The process of construction of uPVC windows involves four stages.
- Extrusion: The process begins with the raw uPVC material being heated until it reaches a molten state. The raw uPVC is mixed with additives like calcium carbonate and titanium dioxide to give it strength and UV resistance. The combined material is heated to a high enough temperature to become a liquid form. Once the uPVC is molten, it is then pushed through a mold called a die which determines the shape and size of the window. This is the main part of the uPVC manufacturing process as it affects how the uPVC window profiles are made. The profiles are the long hollow sections that form the main part of the window frame.
- Cutting and design: After the extrusion process, the uPVC profile is cooled, which solidifies its shape. It is then ready to be cut to the desired length and design profile to create the frame of the window. uPVC profiles can be cut into a variety of shapes and lengths depending on the functional requirements and architectural style.
- Corner welding: Once cut and assembled to the desired shape and length, the corners of the window frames are welded together. Heat welding and fusion welding are the process where the corners are welded together to form a strong and durable joint. Once again the uPVC material is heated which causes it to melt and become fused at the corners.
- Steel reinforcement: uPVC windows are naturally strong but steel reinforcement gives them an added layer of strength. Galvanised steel inserts are placed in the hollow cavities of the window frame for reinforcement and optimal support. These steel reinforcements ensure the window frame is able to withstand external forces and have maximum load bearing capacity.
How Is uPVC Different From Other Materials?
uPVC is the most versatile material for windows and boasts strength, durability and energy efficiency. However it is important to look at other window frame materials as a comparison to see which is best suited to your needs. uPVC, aluminium and timber are the most common materials used for window frames. Each has their advantages and disadvantages in areas like durability, longevity, energy efficiency and cost which we look at here.
uPVC vs Aluminium
uPVC and aluminium are two of the most popular material choices for window frames. Both are lightweight and robust. uPVC is made from a particular kind of PVC which is manufactured to become a lightweight but extremely strong and durable material. Aluminium, on the other hand, is also strong and durable. There are some major differences that make uPVC a better choice, however. uPVC is very affordable and often lower in price compared to aluminium. uPVC is highly energy efficient which will reduce heating and cooling bills, while aluminium does not have the same thermal insulation. In fact, aluminium windows have higher thermal conductivity which means they don’t provide the same level of insulation or noise reduction that uPVC frames can. Condensation is an issue with aluminium window frames because of the thermal conductivity issue and can lead to problematic mould development. While aluminium is a durable material, it can be susceptible to corrosion as the material is extremely vulnerable to saltwater and air.
uPVC vs timber
Although timber is not as popular as uPVC or aluminium, it is still used for window frames when people are seeking a rustic or traditional aesthetic. Compared to uPVC, timber is far more expensive in terms of cost of materials and maintenance. Timber windows require regular maintenance including staining, painting and treating rot or weather damage. While uPVC is the most low maintenance of all the window materials, timber is susceptible to swelling or warping when exposed to the elements. uPVC is ideal for any climate whereas timber is less suitable for areas with extreme weather conditions like humidity or cold temperatures.
uPVC Window Installation
Proper installation is crucial to ensuring uPVC windows are safely installed and can operate at their optimal performance. The professional team at Windows for Life will install your uPVC windows with the necessary skills and experience to fit the window correctly, ensure proper sealing and secure fastening. Incorrect installation can void any warranty so make sure your new uPVC window investment is protected. Professional window installers have the specialised tools for a successful installation, and will ensure your windows meet all building codes and regulation requirements.
The installation process by a professional installer follows these steps:
- Planning. The installer will come out and measure the window opening while taking into account factors like frame dimensions, the type of glazing and architectural style.
- Remove existing windows (if replacement). Windows are removed carefully to avoid any damage to the surrounding walls.
- Prepare window opening. The window opening is cleaned and levelled and made free of any dirt and debris.
- Frame installation. The frame is carefully positioned inside the opening and the installer makes sure it is level and aligned.
- Frame sealing. The frame is sealed into place using membranes and foam tapes to create a weatherproof seal with no gaps.
- Glazing installed. After frame installation, the glazing is installed, followed by installation of hardware like handles and locks.
As a Melbourne based manufacturer, Windows for Life are able to offer fast turn around and great flexibility for your installation process. For the vast majority of new build homes, home renovations and replacement of existing windows projects, the standard lead time is between 6 to 8 weeks from placing the order.
uPVC windows are fast becoming the most popular choice of window frames, known for their strength, durability and energy efficiency. This article on uPVC windows helps explain more about this new material and how it works. For further information contact the team of experts at Windows for Life.
